East Lothian Council Public Budget Consultation 2018-19

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Feedback Updated 11 Jun 2018

We Asked

We asked for your views on budget proposals and on the level of Council Tax for 2018/19.

You Said

Local people shared their views by taking part in focus groups and by responding to our online survey – you can view an analysis of feedback received here.

We Did

The results of the budget consultation were shared with elected members in the report that accompanied the draft Budget that was considered by Cabinet on 16 January 2018. The Council went on to approve a three year budget at its meeting on the 13th February 2018. You can view this here.

Results Updated 26 Feb 2018

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Overview

Transforming your Council

In recent years, East Lothian Council has sought to protect the vital public services which residents rely on. This has included action to help children achieve their potential, supporting older and vulnerable people, protecting the environment, investing in local facilities and working to build the East Lothian economy.

The Council has been on a prolonged journey of change and has reduced costs by more than £24 million over the last five years. However, like many other councils, we face significant reductions in government grant funding. It is expected that East Lothian Council will have to make savings of around £39 million over the next five years. This will mean that the Council is faced with tough choices and must consider how it can reduce costs, how it might increase income streams, do more with less, and in many areas, the way in which we currently deliver our local services will need to change.

What you need to know

The estimated funding we expect to receive from the Scottish Government (74% of our total budget) and through Council Tax receipts and other income sources (26%) will not be enough to meet the increasing cost of services in the years ahead.

This comes at a time of rising population growth and increased demand for services, particularly from younger and older people.

Given the scale of the funding pressures, it is increasingly challenging to make the required savings while not impacting on local services.

That is why council officers are working on budget savings options which would enable the council to balance its budget – as we are legally required to do. These proposals continue to be in development and no decisions can be formally taken until Elected Members meet to agree our 2018-19 budget in February.

We want to hear your views

We want you to help us shape the local services which are important to you – while ensuring they can be delivered within the increasingly limited resources we have available to us.

Your views are really important to us, and it is important that every citizen across East Lothian has the right to get involved. We are looking for feedback on some of the budget proposals being considered, and also your views on the level of Council Tax which in part helps fund local services.

You can share your views by completing the ONLINE SURVEY below - please take the time to read the Budget Consultation Information Pack under 'Related' below before completing the survey.